Terry Hutson AMONG THE unusual action taken in December to ensure that the ports remained open during the crippling port strike was the involvement of the South African Navy, which assisted in keeping the tugs and other marine services operating. Between November 29 and December 7 personnel from Naval Base Durban assisted the National Ports Authority (NPA) at both Durban and Richards Bay, with sailors being provided to man tugs, assist in berthing ships, manning port control radios and also mooring control. In Durban at least two tugs were on duty each day during the strike, ensuring that ships that had completed cargo handling or were requiring bunkers were able to sail. At Richards Bay the navy team operated 24 hours a day on a 12-hour watch system, giving the sailors minimum rest time.
